Naperville Public Library’s Teen Pitch Program is back again this year, allowing local teens to turn their ideas into real library programs.
The initiative invites teens to pitch original program concepts, then work with library staff to bring those ideas to life. Along the way, they gain real-world experience in conceptualizing an idea, developing a sales pitch and troubleshooting any problems that may arise.
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“We often hear from teens who want to partner with the library to develop a new initiative or event,” said Ellen Fitzgerald, director of public services at 95th Street Library and chair of the Teen Pitch Program committee. “The Teen Pitch Program gives teens the opportunity to present those ideas in a more formal setting, learn about project management and earn volunteer hours by giving back to the community.”
After submitting an online application, the top teams are invited to present their ideas in person to library leadership in October. Of those top teams, one or two are chosen each year to implement their programs. They spend the next several months working alongside library staff to further develop their concepts, hone their ideas and focus on the details so they are ready to present their programs to library customers.
Last year marked the Teen Pitch Program’s inaugural year, with two teams selected to present their STEM-focused children’s programs.
Team members Pratham Naik, Ishant Sharma, Vishant Sharma and Shiven Patel created “Float Your Boat,” a program aimed at teaching kids in grades 1 to 5 about the science behind buoyancy. The teens hosted one program at each library building over spring break, challenging participants to design, build and experiment with different shapes and structures to create seaworthy vessels out of tin foil and other supplies.
The Teen Pitch Program team of Deetya Chundru, Dinuda Karunarathna, Mirna Manoji, Reha Parikh, Dhathri Madupathi, Maya Sharma and Anwita Vemana presented their program, “AstroThink: Space and A.I. Adventure,” at all three locations in June. “AstroThink” invited young space explorers to crack alien codes, guide a Mars rover through a maze, test paper airplanes and solve cosmic puzzles.
“Last year we received so many great ideas,” said Fitzgerald. “We are looking forward to seeing what this year’s applicants come up with.”
The Teen Pitch Program application is open through Sept. 30 on the Naperville Public Library website. For more information, including application details and resources, go to www.naperville-lib.org/pitch.
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.